SPQR Chef Matthew Accarrino: On the Road

 

                   While Chef Matthew Accarrino from SPQR is a first timer at the helm, (Executive Chef) he’s no Rookie QB.
The sometimes shy under the bright lights, Chef Accarrino is very well qualified to become a great one. Acquiring the passion for food from his grandmother, while getting in trouble as a youth, he decided then what he wanted to do. A CIA trained Chef, he immersed himself in the culinary world on a chefs tour sponging techniques and guidance from star chefs such as Thomas Keller from the celebrated Napa restaurant, French Laundry. As well as Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio and the culinary empire he has built. The road of the patient Chef Accarrino has been a world tour in a food lover’s paradise. He has paid his dues working long hours and learned the discipline that it takes to be great. With a farm to table mindset, not letting anything go to waste, keeping it local and of course finding humility in yelp, he has a profound passion for the culinary arts.

During the tasting and interview set forth by Studio Gourmet, the innovative technical chef used a strange utensil. A four twenty device (well known in these parts), he smoked a beautiful succulent Golden trout in a matter of minutes… Ingenious. The fish was buttery, with a subtle smoky, and herbaceous taste. The Idaho Trout melted in my mouth teaming up with the most delicious fingerling potatoes, dipped in a shallot based sauce brought out the fish’s story. A tricky way of playing with our emotions. He gave us all in the room the “Wow” factor, and left us wanting more.

       New Jersey to New York, Italy to Chicago, L.A. To San Francisco, Chef Accarrino is well traveled. He knows what it takes to become a great, and much more. Subtle, and forthcoming with his ingredients, the Chef realizes the true star in the room at all times is… The food!

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SPQR
www.spqrsf.com
1911 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 771-7779

Paradise Winery: A Vintners’ View

While the drive up to Santa Rosa’s own Paradise Ridge Winery was a longer trek than expected, the view from their tasting room is unrivaled. A beautiful estate with long views of rows and rows of the varietal grapes, with a tasting room to match. When we arrived, (almost an hour late) the staff (mackenzie & co.) were expecting us with open arms and wine glasses set for a tasting. Amazed with the view, we just had to take a walk around, even before the wine. As we finally began our tasting, we were greeted with a delicious plate of a variety of cheeses paired with walnuts, quince paste, dried California fig, a melon puree of divinity. All of which paired incredibly with each of their food lover’s wines. We had such a great time, we were invited to stay the evening for an industry party… We could not say no!

A Speakeasy style event, we had a great time with owner Rene byck, and his sweet dancing little girl. We were treated well, and enjoyed the crowd of local industry folk. Make sure you check Paradise Winery and take a bottle or two home to share the great experience that is Paradise Ridge Winery.

PARADISE RIDGE WINERY RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Paradise Ridge Winery
707.528.9463
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive,
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
http://www.prwinery.com

50 Mason Social House: The newest Hot Spot for live music.

As music venues go in the great city of San Francisco, we have a variety of great spots, yet none as cool as the ten’s own, 50 Mason Social House on 50 mason street. As I sat and listened to the George Lucson Project’s funk and jazz melodies, I realized, this is a diamond in the rough, a gem in the making. The Industry Group has a worthy music venue with almost never a cover and nightly live bands. With a “Rat Pack” vibe, and smooth atmosphere,It rivals and beats any jazz venue in the city. I hardly noticed that it was only a beer and wine bar, yet I had a excellent time, and appreciated the bartender’s excellent knowledge. The music was fun, and the atmosphere is comfortable. Visit this spot for the music, and stay for their delicious hand-crafted “Winetails”. Whether on a date or a group, the 50 Mason Social House is the spot for you.

50 Mason Social House
50 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 433-5050
50masonsocialhouse.com